Making sure pets get Second Chance

   The figure was 131 in 2001, last year only 55 dogs were Put down The figure flip flops when in 2001 only 11 dogs were adopted and in 2003 a total of 153 dogs found new homes thanks to the shelter's efforts.These figure are even more astonishing when you compare the fact that in 2001, 251 dogs were picked up by animal control and in 2003, 325 dogs were brought into the shelter.
Since Second Chance began the adoption program, only animals that are not adoptable due to health, age or temperament have been euthanized.
  "By providing a more humane alternative for unwanted dogs, the city’s association with Second Chance has made our animal control program a model example for other communities,” Corning City Manager Steve Kimbrough said.
  “Our success comes because we know each dog,” said Eaglebarger. We want to make sure that people are choosing the right dog for their lifestyle, and we spend a lot of time making sure that we get the right fit.”

  Some considerations include deciding if a potential dog adopter has enough time, money and room for the animal they choose.
   The group also works in education by providing classroom and club visits with information.on pet care and the prevention of unwanted pet pregnancies. Eaglebarger also is an outspoken advocate for Second Chance and has begun a very rigorous media plan that provides Pet of the Week photos to both the local newspapers and TV stations.
  Eaglebarger also spends time on the Internet trying to make animal placements.
  Ironically, terrorism worldwide and the war on drugs has helped some on the adoption process as there is more and more demand for drug and explosive sniffing dogs. Now when a candidate dog is brought in they are tested to see if they may be trained for those purposes.

   Before Second Chance took control of the shelter, it was administered by Corning Public Works and was run by the meter reader as time permitted, according to Kimbrough. Later in 1996 responsibilitied for the shelter were given to the Corning Police Department. Three community service officers were created and currently two of them are staffed.
   During the work week, the community’s service officers were responsible not only for the enforcement of animal control regulations but also the shelter and the dogs. During the weekend, a caretaker residing at the shelter cared for the dogs.
   After the death of the caretaker and a large turnover in officers who would transfer into full-time officer positions, it was decided to move the shelter into a new direction. Eaglebarger met with the Corning Police Department with her proposal in May 2002.

  Now with Second Chance running the shelter and Eaglebarger on-site, the city employs one fulltime and two part-time officers.
  Also in 2002, the Corning Police Department proposed and the council authorized a program to ensure dogs adopted from the shelter were altered by establishing an adoption fee which when incorporated with veterinary discounts received by Second Chance would cover the expense of alteration and rabies vaccination.
   Along with information on adoption, the group also provides information on every aspect of pet care and safety. Each adoption receives a free consultation with Novak.
  “We want to help train the dogs and the owners so that the dogs become part of the family,” added Eaglebarger.
   The shelter is also looking for individuals or groups willing to volunteer or make donations of animal supplies and dog toys.
  The shelter is a non-profit organizations and all donations are tax deductible. For additional information, contact 824-1985.